Editor’s choice
SEI’s Måns Nilsson and Philip Osano told a gathering of Eastern Africa stakeholders that a sustainable bioeconomy is a key strategy for mitigating and adapting to climate change and conserving biodiversity. During the 14th Meeting of the BioInnovate Africa Programme Advisory Committee event in the northern city of Arusha in Tanzania, the regional bioeconomy strategy for Eastern Africa was unveiled formally by the EAC while the State of the Bioeconomy in Eastern Africa Report 2022 was launched.
SEI Africa director Philip Osano gives a presentation during the launch of the State of the Bioeconomy in Eastern Africa Report 2022.. Photo: Lawrence Nzuve/SEI
A central feature of the bioeconomy is that scientific research, knowledge and innovation can be applied not only for the production of food, feed, fibre and fuel but also to produce a wide range of agro-industrial and value-added products.
Dr. Philip Osano, SEI Africa director
The State of the Bioeconomy in Eastern Africa Report 2022 highlights the bioresource availability in the region, including some of the important value chains for the biobased industrial development. The report argues that Eastern Africa has a competitive edge in developing a sustainable bioeconomy, and that future growth and jobs will likely come from bioeconomy value added activities.
From SEI, we cherish the partnership of the EAC and the government of Kenya and with our centre in Nairobi we are committed to building and strengthening this as a knowledge partner for the sustainable development of Eastern Africa. Sweden, who is also drafting a Bioeconomy Strategy, should now learn from and build on the EAC work, which is world leading, although the thematic focus is likely to be different.
Prof Måns Nilsson, SEI Executive Director
Once launched later in the year, the regional bioeconomy strategy will become only the second one after that of the European Union (EU) of 2018.
Initiative / This initiative aims to guide decision-makers towards more cohesive and constructive governance of bioeconomy pathways, with a focus on the Global South.
Project / The RDI2Club project helps rural Baltic Sea areas to reach their bioeconomy potential.
Past event / SEI and BioInnovate Africa Program Advisory Committee will have its 14th meeting during which the eastern Africa bioeconomy report 2022 will be launched
Other publication / The growing bioeconomy offers an opportunity for countries in Eastern Africa to achieve many of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Past event / Join the first of its kind regional conference in Africa.
